Leg Stretching Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A stretching machine of two seat having bases and backrests which is pivotally mounted to the base including a first leg platform having a pivot end and a free end, the pivot end being connected to the base of the seat and a second leg platform having a pivot end and a free end, the pivot end being connected to the base of the seat. The stretching machine includes a mechanism for rotating the backrest relative to the seat as well as a mechanism for rotating the leg platforms about their respective pivot ends such that the free ends move in a generally arcuate path.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a stretching machine that effectively and efficiently stretches the leg muscles. More particularly, this invention provides a seat having a pivotally mounted backrest and a pair of leg platforms pivotally mounted to the seat.

2. Description of the Related Art

In several sports activities, especially the martial arts, it is important to be to perform kicks and other maneuvers which require extreme movement of various muscle groups. It is incumbent upon participants in these sports to adequately stretch muscle groups such as the hamstrings, quadriceps, adductors, abductors, groin, hip, gluteal and lower and lumbar regions in the back.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,647,040 and 5,137,504 disclose a leg stretching apparatus in which a person sits in a seat and places his legs on two separate platforms. The person's legs are spread through the action of a crank and crank assembly. The seat assembly is comprised of two generally planar portions. The planar portions have wooden dowels which protrude from their lower end and which engage holes in the base assembly of the seat. It is said that this controls both the position and tilt of the seat to suit the person's need.

Despite these leg stretching machines, there remains a need for a machine that not only stretches the leg muscles but which also, at the same time, stretches the muscles of the lower back. This machine would not only stretch these muscles but would also provide an effect to stretch the hamstring and groin muscles further than would be possible than with machines concentrating on one muscle group or the other.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of physical training and exercise equipment. More specifically the present invention relates to a leg stretching apparatus including an elevation structure mounted to an elevation mechanism for lifting and lowering the elevation structure, a first leg support member connected to the elevation structure and extending from the elevation structure in a first direction and a second leg support member hingedly connected to the elevation structure and extending from the elevation structure in a second direction. To use the apparatus, the elevation mechanism is operated to lift the elevation structure so that the first and second leg support members pivot downwardly from the elevation structure to rest at their free ends on a floor or other support surface, at an angle below horizontal. The user seats himself or herself on the apparatus by placing one user leg on the first leg support and the other user leg on the second leg support, so that the user legs are spread.

It is an object of the invention to provide a leg stretching apparatus in which pulleys previously located at the rear portion of the base can be eliminated, allowing leg support members to be folded into the base for compact storage.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a leg stretching apparatus for utilizing a crank assembly for providing large-scale stretching movement of leg supports and to provide a further apparatus for applying minute and controlled stretching movements to the leg supports once the near maximum muscle stretch position has been reached.

Another object of the present invention to provide a leg stretching apparatus which not only supports the entire leg while undergoing stretching, but also can be folded into a relatively compact assembly which can be easily transported.

A further object of the present invention to provide a collapsible leg stretching apparatus in which any cables present and concealed within the base and crank assembly of the device and which is capable of applying minute and controlled rotational forces to the operator's legs at least when a near maximum muscle stretch position has be reached.

Another object of the present invention to provide a leg stretching apparatus which laterally stretches user legs apart from each other.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus which does such stretching in an individually selectable, controlled and progressive movement or series of movements.

A further object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus which is sturdy, safe, durable, reliable and cost effective to manufacture.

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the hereinafter Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description of the Invention and Claims appended herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus, with the guidance structure displaced rearwardly to show its several elements.

FIG. 2 is a broken away side view of the elevational structure platform through the platform port, and a side view of the elevational rod passing through the platform port, showing the port internal threads and the rod external threads.

FIGS. 3 and 4 provide front and back perspective of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a front embodiment, the present invention provides a fair reading and interpretation of the entire specification, objection and claims herewith. See FIGS. 1 and 2.

A leg stretching apparatus 10 is provided and including an elevation mechanism 20 resting. It also provides an elevation structure 23 in a first X direction and a second leg support members 31A and 31B pivotally connected to the elevation structure 20 in a second Z direction. Hinges 35A and 35B interconnect each leg support member with the elevation structure 20. The first and second leg support members 31A and 31B progress downwardly from the elevation structure. Operation of the elevation mechanism in another direction lowers the elevation structure so that the first leg support member 31A and the second leg support member 31B pivot progressively downward from the elevation structure. Operation of the elevation mechanism in another direction lowers the elevation structure so that the first leg support member 31A and the second leg support member 31B pivot progressively upward from the elevation structure.

A first hinge 35A preferably pivotally interconnects the first leg support member 31A respectively the elevation 20 and a second hinge 35B pivotally interconnects the second leg support member 35B and the elevation 20.

The leg stretching apparatus preferably additionally includes a first structure on the first leg support member 34A for retaining one user leg against the first leg support member 31A and a second leg support structure 34B on the second leg support member 31B for retaining the other user leg against the second leg support member. The leg stretching 10 apparatus preferably still additionally includes foot pads 33A and 33B on each of the first leg support member 31A and the second leg support member 31B for providing comfort to user legs. The leg support structure to rest preferably is a support surface such as a floor and the first leg support member has a first leg support member free end and the second leg support member has a second leg support member free end, the apparatus preferably additionally including a first caster wheel 32A mounted to the lower surface of each leg support member free end 36A. A second caster wheel 32B mounted to the second leg support member free end 36B moves over the support surface during apparatus operation.

The elevation structure 20 preferably includes a horizontal platform 23 having a central platform port 22. An upright elevation of rod 24 rotatably mounted at its lower end to a bearing structure 25 and extending through the platform port 22, the elevation rod 24 having external rod threads meshing with the port internal threads, and a rotation structure 21 for a user to grip and turn in one rotational direction to lift the platform 23 and in the opposing rotational direction to lower the platform 23, such operating the elevation mechanism 20. The rod rotation structure 24 with 21 preferably includes a rod hand grip 21 extending radially outward from the elevation rod 24.

The leg stretching apparatus 10 preferably additionally includes an elevation guidance structure 52 for guiding the elevation mechanism. The guidance structure 52 preferably includes an upright rectangular frame 55 fitted with a vertical series of horizontal roller axle rods 84, and a closely spaced series of cylindrical rollers 86, each cylindrical roller 86 being mounted on one of the roller axle rods 84, so that the elevation structure bears against the cylindrical rollers 86 which provide lateral support to the elevation structure 20.

The elevation mechanism 20 lifts the structure 23 so that the first and second leg support member 31A and 31B pivot downward from the elevation structure 20 while resting continuously at their leg support members free ends 36A and 36B of support surface 31A and 31B at an increased angle below horizontal. The user seating himself on the apparatus 10 by placing one user leg on the first left support 31A and the other user leg on the second leg support 31B, such that the user legs are spread apart, and the user operating the elevation mechanism 20 to lower the elevation structure 23 and thereby progressively pivot the leg support members 31A and 31B downwardly toward horizontal, in which progressively further spreading the user legs to an extent desired by the user.

In Particular, from the drawings and the understanding of how the system works, the machine appears to be composed of three intertwined components that work together, namely the elevation mechanism, central frame 50, the leg board 30, and the balancing boards or steps 40.

The balancing board or steps requires the user of the machine climbs up on a foot board 41 which is composed of several layers of wood bolted 42 together. These bolted layers of wood are organized in a way to look like stairs 41 that the user can climb to reach the top of the machine.

The balancing board 41 also acts as a shoulder rest for when the user wants to leap forward while fully utilizing the machine in order to potentially stretch other muscles in the body.

The boards swing around by being on bolts 42 and this results in the user being able to select from which angle the user would like to climb the machine.

The balancing board 41 is attached to the central frame 50 which is attached to elevation mechanism 20 which houses the steering wheel 21 sliding poles 52, and is connected to the leg board 31A and 31B.

The user uses the balancing board 41 to climb up to the leg board 60. The board is composed of three parts within itself:

A central beam 58 which protrudes from the center and attaches to the legs 31A and 31B via the hinges 35A and 35B. On the reverse side, the central frame 50, a vertical pole 52 can be found. The pole 52 is hugged by two wheels 53A and 53B which glide up and down the pole 52 as the central beam 58 is adjusting respectively.

Left and right legs 31A and 31B are where the user rests his legs and connected to the central beam 23. As the steering wheel 21 is turned, the central beam 23 rises or falls and the legs 31A and 31B adjust accordingly.

The steering wheel 21 is the final part connected to the central beam 23.

The leg boards have metal straps on them to secure the legs of the user.

The steering wheel 21 rests on a nut while sitting on a threaded pole 24. When the steering wheel 21 is turning in a direction, it either goes down or up on the threaded pole 24. As the wheel 21 spins, the central board follows the same vertical direction and this causes the leg boards 31A and 31B to expand or contract in the horizontal direction.

The steering wheel pole 24 rests on top of a circular disk 26. The disk has a hole in its center 25 which is where threaded pole 24 is inserted.

The central support 50 has a set of numbered horizontal rails 56 arranged vertically to provide greater stability as the central board 23 glides up and down.

The central frame 23 connected by nuts and bolts that hold the frame 20 together in place. As the machine 10 is used, the frame 23 can sway, move, or shake. To prevent this movement, metal straps have been affixed to hold the central frame 23 in place.

Therein a leg stretching apparatus 10 is provided and including an elevation mechanism 120 resting. It also provides an elevation structure 123 in a first X direction and a second leg support members 131A and 131B pivotally connected to the elevation structure 20 in a second Z direction. Hinges 135A and 135B interconnect each leg support member with the elevation structure 120. The first and second leg support members 131A and 131B progress downwardly from the elevation structure. Operation of the elevation mechanism in another direction lowers the elevation structure so that the first leg support member 131A and the second leg support member 131B pivot progressively downward from the elevation structure. Operation of the elevation mechanism in another direction lowers the elevation structure so that the first leg support member 131A and the second leg support member 131B pivot progressively upward from the elevation structure.

A first hinge 135A preferably pivotally interconnects the first leg support member 131A respectively the elevation 120 and a second hinge 135B pivotally interconnects the second leg support member 135B and the elevation 120.

The leg stretching apparatus preferably additionally includes a first structure on the first leg support member 134A for retaining one user leg against the first leg support member 131A and a second leg support structure 134B on the second leg support member 131B for retaining the other user leg against the second leg support member. The leg stretching 110 apparatus preferably still additionally includes foot pads 133A and 133B on each of the first leg support member 131A and the second leg support member 131B for providing comfort to user legs. The leg support structure to rest preferably is a support surface such as a floor and the first leg support member has a first leg support member free end and the second leg support member has a second leg support member free end, the apparatus preferably additionally including a first caster wheel 132A mounted to the lower surface of each leg support member free end 136A. A second caster wheel 132B mounted to the second leg support member free end 136B moves over the support surface during apparatus operation.

The elevation structure 120 preferably includes a horizontal platform 123 having a central platform port 122. An upright elevation of rod 24 rotatably mounted at its lower end to a bearing structure 125 and extending through the platform port 122, the elevation rod 124 having external rod threads meshing with the port internal threads, and a rotation structure 121 for a user to grip and turn in one rotational direction to lift the platform 123 and in the opposing rotational direction to lower the platform 123, such operating the elevation mechanism 20. The rod rotation structure 124 with 121 preferably includes a rod hand grip 121 extending radially outward from the elevation rod 124.

The leg stretching apparatus 110 preferably additionally includes an elevation guidance structure 152 for guiding the elevation mechanism. The guidance structure 152 preferably includes an upright rectangular frame 155 fitted with a vertical series of horizontal roller axle rods 184, and a closely spaced series of cylindrical rollers 186, each cylindrical roller 186 being mounted on one of the roller axle rods 184, so that the elevation structure bears against the cylindrical rollers 186 which provide lateral support to the elevation structure 120.

The elevation mechanism 120 lifts the structure 123 so that the first and second leg support member 131A and 131B pivot downward from the elevation structure 120 while resting continuously at their leg support members free ends 136A and 136B of support surface 131A and 131B at an increased angle below horizontal. The user seating himself on the apparatus 110 by placing one user leg on the first left support 131A and the other user leg on the second leg support 131B, such that the user legs are spread apart, and the user operating the elevation mechanism 120 to lower the elevation structure 23 and thereby progressively pivot the leg support members 131A and 131B downwardly toward horizontal, in which progressively further spreading the user legs to an extent desired by the user.

In Particular, from the drawings and the understanding of how the system works, the machine appears to be composed of three intertwined components that work together, namely the elevation mechanism, central frame 150, the leg board 130, and the balancing boards or steps 140.

The balancing board or steps requires the user of the machine climbs up on a foot board 141 which is composed of several layers of wood bolted 142 together. These bolted layers of wood are organized in a way to look like stairs 141 that the user can climb to reach the top of the machine.

The balancing board 141 (FIG. 4) also acts as a shoulder rest for when the user wants to leap forward while fully utilizing the machine in order to potentially stretch other muscles in the body.

The boards swing around by being on bolts 142 and this results in the user being able to select from which angle the user would like to climb the machine.

The balancing board 141 is attached to the central frame 50 which is attached to elevation mechanism 120 which houses the steering wheel 121 sliding poles 152, and is connected to the leg board 131A and 131B.

The central beam 158 which protrudes from the center and attaches to the legs 131A and 131B via the hinges 135A and 135B. On the reverse side, the central frame 158, a vertical pole 152 can be found. The pole 152 is hugged by two wheels 153A and 153B which glide up and down the pole 152 as the central beam 120 is adjusting respectively.

Left and right legs 131A and 131B are where the user rests his legs and connected to the central beam 123. As the steering wheel 121 is turned, the central beam 124 rises or falls and the legs 131A and 31B adjust accordingly.

The steering wheel 121 is the final part connected to the central beam 123.

The leg boards have metal straps on them to secure the legs of the user.

The steering wheel 121 rests on a nut while sitting on a threaded pole 124. When the steering wheel 121 is turning in a direction, it either goes down or up on the threaded pole 124. As the wheel 121 spins, the central board follows the same vertical direction and this causes the leg boards 131A and 131B to expand or contract in the horizontal direction.

The steering wheel pole 124 rests on top of a circular disk 126. The disk has a hole in its center 125 which is where threaded pole 124 is inserted.

The central support 150 has a set of numbered horizontal rails 156 arranged vertically to provide greater stability as the central board 123 glides up and down. (See FIG. 3).

The central frame 123 connected by nuts and bolts that hold the frame 120 together in place. As the machine 10 is used, the frame 23 can sway, move, or shake. To prevent this movement, metal straps have been affixed to hold the central frame 123 in place.

While there has been shown and described above the preferred embodiment of the instant invention it is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and that, within said embodiment, certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention as set forth in the claims appended herewith. 

I claim:
 1. A stretching apparatus comprising: (a) a base for balancing area, having a pole over a member therewith and a perpendicular beam therein; (b) a first leg support member pivotally connected to said elevation structure and extending from said elevation structure to a support means in a first direction; (c) a second leg support member pivotally connected to said elevation structure and extending from said elevation structure to a support means in a second direction; (d) access of legs straps; (e) a first foot platform with a first horizontal structure; (f) a second foot platform with a second horizontal structure; and (g) rear housing for free ends and first and second legs with thereof.
 2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 comprising a structure included a right rectangular frame fitted for a rectangular fitted with a vertical series of lower axles.
 3. The leg stretching apparatus of claim 1 in which a pad foot over an upper space of each proves support with each and for said comfort.
 4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 comprises an upright elevating rod preferably including a meshing having a horizontal platform. 